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Despite rejecting an offer to play in the Beijing 2008 Olympics team for men under Coach Samson Siasia, Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has declared interest to be part of the Rio 2016 Olympics football team.
Sports Intelligence looks at the likely seven reasons why the Chelsea player would now seek for a place in the Rio Olympic games, after rejecting the offer eight years ago.
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- Mikel has not won any football tournament among the three FIFA’S most recognized football tournament, which are FIFA World Cup, FIFA Confederation Cup and FIFA Olympic football for men, Rio Olympics could be an opportunity for him to win one;
- Mikel has participated in the duo of FIFA World Cup (2014) and Confederations Cup (2013) but has never participated in the Olympic football for men;
- Age is definitely not on Mikel obi’s side, at 28 Rio Olympics is the closest to him, and will need four more years to take part in another edition of the Olympic but he is going to be 32 then and may have considered retirement as an option;
- The likes of Lionel Messi others who were magical at the 2005 U-20 World Cup when Mikel participated have gotten their fair share of participating in the Olympic and also won the title despite winning other titles in club football;
- Mikel has missed out in two consecutive AFCON football tournaments for Nigeria, as a result of Super Eagles inability to qualify for the events, playing in the tournament will afford him the opportunity to get more committed to Nigerian side;
- Despite the tournament being U23, Mikel will be privileged to be among the three overage players that could make the team and would be glad to get that privilege;
- Mikel would also want to make-up for his decision to turn-down an offer made to him by Coach Samson Siasia to play in Beijing 2008 Olympics.
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